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Showing posts from October, 2006

Buckeye Fans Getting the Broadcast Run-around

I am not a fan of Time Warner [Cable] but I'm hating the ESPN manipulation even more. We're only going to see more of this in the future as the cable content providers start to wield power over the cable delivery services. Interesting to see how this will play out. My speculation: 5-10 years from now, ESPN will broadcast via the Internet...bypassing the cable companies entirely (although, what if your ISP is a cable company?) I really thought the satellite firms would wallop cable but that just doesn't seem to be the case/trend. Wired still trumps wireless. Perhaps Wi-MAX or UMTS will be strong Internet "carriers" in 5-10 years; or Broadband over Power Lines. Regardless, I think an alternative to cable will help drive competition, innovation, and thus, reduced prices. Jeff... ESPN blocks rerun of game Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Though widely promoted, the planned rerun of the Ohio State-Indiana football game on

Frivolous Lawsuit and/or Poor Marketing of the Day

Emerson filed a federal lawsuit in St. Louis on Monday, seeking to block the NBC television network from rebroadcasting the pilot episode of the new show "Heroes," which depicts a woman damaging her hand in a garbage disposal made by the company. The Ferguson-based maker of electric products says NBC Universal Television Studios did not have the right to use the company's In-Sink-Erator brand disposal in the show without permission. Yeah, we need to stand up to The Man! No way will I buy an InSink Erator the next time I purchase a disposal. Grrrrrrr. ;-) This suit is so ridiculous. I'm surprised anyone even noticed this let alone allow it to affect a purchasing decision--on an oft-purchased disposal. Please. If this sticks, does that mean studios will have to ask permission for every single item used on the set? "Hey! That 6-panel Chuck's Doors door was used without permission! I'm filing suit!" Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Theories: (1) Emerson is marketing-cl

Moral Fortitude Doesn't Take a Day Off

I'm troubled at this trend as a society to blame inequities for our lapses in judgement. "But, I'm an alcoholic." or "What do you expect, I'm on welfare." or "I'm [fill in racial minority]...how can I possibly overcome?" We all go through tough times. But I reject those of us who would hide behind a false crutch; requesting a "pass" on unacceptable behavior . Did Lance Armstrong ask for pity when stricken with life-threatening cancer? No. He proceeded to attack the disease and use it to propell him to unprecidented cycling success. Did Oprah Winfrey give up because she was born into near-poverty? Did she use her minority status to give up? No. She used this situation to build herself into one of the wealthiest and most successful women in business and entertainment today. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Take responsibility and make it right. If your life takes a rough tumble, use it as a pla